Residents reject new airport plan

Concern over noise pollution raised at meeting

Samui isn’t likely to have another airport in the near future.

At a recent public hearing, residents of Moo 1, 2 and 5 in Phru Namuang, the area being eyed by proponents as its location, rejected a plan for a second Samui airport.

Many residents have expressed concern that a new airport would only increase pollution and that the resulting noise from planes landing and/or taking off would affect their health.

They cited the effects of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport on those living near it. At the same time, they also said the swamp and forest in Phru Namuang could be destroyed together with the bio-system that they support.

Nearly 400 people who will be affected by the second-airport project gathered recently at the Kanjanaphisek meeting hall in Nathon and met with Suratthani Gov. Vinai Baupradit and Civil Aviation chief Chaisak Ungsuwan to discuss the issue. A representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand was present.

Most residents believe that the disadvantages of building another airport on Samui far outweigh advantages. They said the project would force many residents to relocate.

But those who favor the project have asked the Department of Civil Aviation to sort out the options to end the monopolized air transport system at Koh Samui airport.

Virat Phongsababnapha of Pavillion Samui Boutique Resort said the main concern is how to resolve the problem of air transport to Samui. He asked all concerned government agencies to determine whether other sites are feasible for the location of a second airport.

If there are constraints at Phru Namuang, other areas like Don Sak or Phangan Island should be considered. He added that these agencies might also want to consider reclaiming some land.

Prachum Roengthong of Namuang subdistrict, meanwhile, said the information presented by the consultant company for the second-airport project was not true. Based on the report, 77 percent of leaders from each local community and 52 percent of individual households indicated they were in favor of the project. But he said the fact remains that 99 percent of at least 1,000 households on the island do not want the new airport. He added that there were worries that compensation for those whose lands would be expropriated might not be enough.

Prachum noted that previous government projects had negative effects on his community. He cited the garbage incinerator as one. Another was the installation of pipes in Phru Namuang, which is also a source of fresh water. He noted that the pipe project did not benefit those residing near the location of the water source.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that residents are now wary of government-initiated projects, including the proposed second airport.
During the public hearing, there was a suggestion that the Samui airport be bought from Bangkok Airways that now runs it so that it would be open to other airlines. Phru Namaung covers 1,550 rai (248 hectares) and is owned by 697 people who have set a price of Bt2 billion for it.

In January, the Ministry of Transport said a second airport on the island was not necessary, virtually nixing the proposed project.

Chaisawat Kittiphaiboon, Transport deputy minister who is also vice president of Thai Airways, had said the eco system of Samui, which is not a big island, might not be able to sustain two airports. 

Other organizations that have expressed opposition to a second airport include the Flora and Fauna Protection Foundation and the Koh Samui Tourism Association, both citing the harm it would do to the environment including the destruction of trees arising from the leveling of land.

The second-airport project had been recommended by the Department of Civil Aviation and had submitted it for approval by the national government.